We Love Dads Because. . .

Who hasn’t complained about the “old man” from time to time? Not us, that’s for sure. Mom may have made us eat our veggies, but it was Dad who we feared when we missed curfew or had a fender-bender while cruising around town with friends in the family car. But when we consider how much our Dads did for us over our challenging formative years, which were likely more challenging for our parents than they were for us, we love them because. . .

Harry Gnong, one of the owners of the BBC, and his daughter Hannah at our Sandwich pub.

They knew just when to let go when they ran behind us on our first training-wheels-free bike ride, but they still protected us, while making us feel empowered.

They were always game for helping us finish ill-conceived science projects even when we had procrastinated. “But Dad, it’s due tomorrow!”

When Mom said, “No, you can’t have any more money! I’ve given you enough this week,” Dad could always be counted on to slip us 20 bucks.

They cheered us on at sporting events in the rain and snow, and they sat through countless high school band concerts without once covering their ears.

They made countless trips lugging heavy boxes up multiple flights of stairs with minimal griping at our first college dorm.

They helped pay for college (now that’s a biggie) and never questioned how we spent so much money, even though our meals and rent were already covered. (It is possible beer was responsible for a portion of our inexplicable expenditures).

John Morelli, our director of entertainment, at his daughter’s recent graduation. He’s the one fixing his hair.

When we tossed that tassel to the other side on graduation day, Dad was all smiles. We knew he was proud, but we suspected he was also slightly relieved to be done with the tuition bills.They didn’t stop acting like a Dad when we hit 18, 22 or even 25. They helped with our résumés, taught us how to shake hands like grown-ups and how to look sharp for our first interview for a “real job.”

Whether they were walking us down the aisle or shaking our hand as we took our place next to our best man, it was the one time they just couldn’t hold back the tears. And for that, we love our Dads.

Father’s Day is June 18th. Mow Dad’s lawn. Buy him a pint. Give him a hug. Tell him you love him (even if it makes the tough old guy a little uncomfortable). And if you happen to live near our Portsmouth pub, bring him down on Dad’s Day to help tackle the world’s biggest lobster roll!